Izmir is Turkey's third city and its most laid-back metropolis — strung along a wide Aegean bay with the palm-lined Kordon promenade at its heart. It trades Istanbul's intensity for sea breeze, long dinners and an unhurried, liberal air.
It's also the launchpad for some of the country's headline sights: the vast ruins of Ephesus, the windsurfing town of Alaçatı, and the beaches and thermal springs of the Çeşme peninsula.
Known for: Kordon waterfront · Ephesus · Alaçatı · Çeşme · Aegean food
- Region
- Aegean
- Vibe
- Relaxed, coastal
- Best seasons
- May–Oct
- Near
- Ephesus, Çeşme
Izmir on the live map
Explore Izmir and all of Turkey on the live intelligence map — tap a city node to fly in.
What Izmir is known for
Walk the Kordon at sunset, browse the Kemeraltı bazaar and the ancient Agora, then ride up to the Kadifekale castle for the view. Day trips reach Ephesus — one of the best-preserved classical cities anywhere — and the Aegean coast.
- The Kordon seafront promenade and Konak square.
- Ephesus, the Library of Celsus and the House of the Virgin Mary.
- Alaçatı's stone streets and windsurfing bays.
- Çeşme beaches and thermal springs.
Getting around
Izmir has a metro, a İZBAN commuter rail line and ferries across the bay — all on the İzmirim Kart. Frequent buses and trains reach Ephesus (via Selçuk) and the Çeşme peninsula.
On the platform
Izmir is joining Türkiye Gez as we expand into a Turkey-wide city intelligence platform. This guide is the launch foundation — live transport data, an interactive map and deeper neighborhood content roll out city by city, on the same architecture that powers Istanbul today.
- Things to do in Izmir — the essential experiences and top attractions.
Izmir in pictures
Frequently asked questions
About Izmir
2Its relaxed Aegean atmosphere, the Kordon seafront, Kemeraltı bazaar, and as the gateway to Ephesus, Alaçatı and the Çeşme beaches.
About an hour south near Selçuk, reachable by train or bus — an easy and essential day trip from Izmir.